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Thursday, January 21, 2016

2016 Goals and Resolutions [Health]

Happy Thursday! Today I'll be sharing part two of my yearly goals. Today it's all about fitness and health. This is probably the group that is the scariest to me, and has the most ambitious goals. Some of these goals I made specifically to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone, so I'm both nervous and excited to work on these. I hope you enjoy reading about my goals, and be sure to share yours in the comments!

Fitness Goals

Run 1200 miles

After some trial and error last year, I've come to realize that my body does best between 25 and 35 miles a week. Last year I had the goal of hitting 1,000 miles (which I barely missed). With training for at least one full marathon this year, I know that I can easily hit that number, so my goal is to do 1,200 miles. That's an average of 100 miles each month, which is definitely doable for me.

PR in two distances

I set a lot of PR's last year thanks to consistent training, and I know that I can take even more time off! I'm running a full marathon in April, and I should (hopefully) be able to take time off of my current PR of 4:38:12. I raced my PR marathon with minimal training when I was in college, so I'm hoping I can take off some serious time!

Here are some of my goals for the year. Some of these are going to be difficult to reach, but I think with enough hard work I should be able to achieve them!

5k: Under 23:00 (current PR 23:54)

10k: Under 50:00 (current PR 53:30)

Half Marathon: Under 1:50:00 (current PR 1:57:10)

Full Marathon: Under 4:00:00 (current PR 4:38:12)

I love the saying "Reach for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." Even though some of these goals seem overly ambitious, I'm going to put my all into training and trying to reach them.

Run 20 races

This number freaked out a lot of people! 20 races seems like a lot to run. However, I like to use races as training runs for longer distances and treat them as a long speed workout. I already have a few races planned for my full marathon training, and want to work on my speed in the summer by doing some 5ks.

I'm also one of those runners who need to be training for something to stay out there. I wish that I could motivate myself to run without a plan or a goal, but I know myself and know that this is how I work the best. This might not work for everyone, but it does for me! With that in mind, I think that 20 races is definitely attainable but will take some work to get there.

Swim 1,000 yards without stopping

Right now, I'm only able to swim about 100 yards non-stop. I really want to work on my endurance this year, and I think that 1,000 yards would be a great goal for me. Right now that seems almost impossible, but I know that if I stay consistent I will be able to do it.

My plan is to start swimming twice a week. Lately I've been going once a week, so I think that the extra day of being in the pool will really help build that endurance. When I'm at the pool, I also like to spend time in the sauna and hot tub. That always seems to help loosen up my muscles, so I think adding this to my training plan will also benefit my running.

Bike 20 miles without stopping

This year, in general, I just want to be more active in the summer. I started to bike ride last year, so this year I'm hoping to get in some longer rides. There are so many amazing trails around Pittsburgh that are perfect for biking, so I want to explore them. My big goal is to bike part of the GAP, which runs from Pittsburgh to DC. For now, I think 20 miles is a good stepping stone to eventually bike longer distances.

Try out 4 new workout classes

I love to try new fitness classes, but I get anxious when I try new things. In the past year, I've been pushing myself to get over this by making goals to do new things that are scary for me- I joined the running club at True Runner, started to bike ride and swim, and took new classes at the gym.

There are still a few more classes at my gym that I haven't tried out, and my goal is to try out four classes throughout the year. I'm excited to see what I can try out, and of course I'll share all of that here!

Health Goals

Get regular check-ups

I'm embarrassed to say when my last check up at the doctor was. This is something else that I'm nervous to do, even though I know that I really should. At work, we get wellness incentives for doing things like getting an annual checkup, going to the dentist, getting our eyes checked, and more, so I'm literally losing money by not going to the doctors.

This year, it's my goal to get an annual checkup (and to find a doctor), go to the dentist (appointment is scheduled), get my eyes checked, and go to the dermatologist.

Clean up eating habits

I'm already off to a great start on this goal! I've been doing the Whole30 this month, which is inspiring me to keep my habits clean. So far this year, I haven't had any alcohol, added sugars, snacks, or sugary drinks. I hope to continue that for the entire year (minus the occasional glass of wine or draft). I'll talk more about my eating and cooking goals next week, but I have some ideas on how to maintain my healthy eating habits.

Take vitamins and supplements

I talked more in-depth about this in my post on Tuesday, but I added three supplements to my diet: Fish Oil, Vitamin D3 and Calcium. When I go to the doctors I'll find out if I need to add any other pills to my diet. For now, I think these three are a great start!

What are your health and fitness goals for the year?Does anyone else put off going to the doctors?How many miles do you want to run this year?linking up with Amanda, Gina, Allie, Kate and Catherine

50 comments:

My problem is that I hate making appointments for things like GP or derm or once a year things. But if it comes to my running? CALL THE DOCTOR. To be fair, if you are in good health and not trying to "do" anything, you really don't need to go to a GP every year. That said, if it has been a while, and with as many goals as you have, it is best to set yourself up for success!

That's what my philosophy has been. I haven't had any issues (knock on wood) and I feel like I would go, wait in the waiting room for an hour, and have the doc tell me I'm healthy. SO it seems like a waste of time to me :/ But, now I don't have a doctor and the last one I went to was a pediatrician... time to go!

YES to getting regular check ups!! I was just telling my husband that we have to take advantage of the fact that those are FREE. I think it's almost humorous that I am SO on top of making and scheduling my appointments for my son/dog/cat/even my husband (seriously, he'll never do it himself if I don't..) but with myself I'm like, ehh. My husband is required by law to get a DOT physical each year, but it's kind of a joke, so I really want us all to take our (free!!) health seriously.

As always you inspire me to take my fitness and health seriously! Thank you for that. This year I'm trying to run one 5K per month and improve my time with each run if possible. I'm really looking forward to it!

What a great post! I love seeing someone else's health & fitness goals, as I have a lot as well! A few of mine - I'd like to PR in the 10k (current PR: 01:09) & the 1/2 marathon (current PR: 02:37) - my friends tell me I can PR at the Pitt Half, but I'm not so sure. We'll see! I also want to get my diet back on track, take new fitness classes, & hike & bike during the summer! I can't wait for good weather again, I have so many active things I want to do.. it just seems its hard finding someone to do them all with! Good luck to you with your goals.. you're going to be great this year!

Your training has been great so far, so I definitely think you can do it. Pittsburgh is kind of tough though, so don't get discouraged if you don't PR, and sign up for another race to try again!! I would be more than happy to do some fun outdoorsy things with you (as soon as it warms up..!)

Perfect! Would love that! :) & honestly, I don't have my hopes up to PR @ Pittsburgh. But I am signed up for Just a Short Run 1/2.. and I want to sign up for Buffalo Creek in the fall.. which if I don't PR throughout the year.. I want that to be my PR race :)

Once again, I find your goal-oriented posts so inspiring! I think it's great that you push yourself in your training! And I love that you included things like setting doctor appointments in your health goals. I struggle with that too in some areas. e.g. I'd like to go to the derm for an annual skin check but it's been like....4 years?? Maybe this year will be the one!

I too have a goal of breaking 1:50 in the half, with the eventual goal of breaking 1:45. My PR is 1:54.01, and the .01 kills me. Haha. It's a big goal for me & a little scary since I don't think I'll race many halfs this year, but what's the worst that can happen? I'm gunning for a new 5K PR as well, but sub 25 is my goal.

Now I want to write some running goals, way to inspire! I think all of your goals are absolutely attainable, and they all seem like you will have plenty of opportunities to grow/learn while shooting for all of them. Go get it!

I was just thinking recently with reading all of peoples health related goals for the year that everyone should make it a goal to get a physical so I'm thrilled to see it on your list. Even though you are young and healthy make sure you still get lab work drawn (sometimes they try to tell you that you don't need it but its covered by insurance so get it!) PS Don't forget about the gyno ;) Lots of inspiring goals here- hopefully I'll get run some Pittsburgh races this fall when I'm back!

These are awesome goals Gretchen! I love the goal about trying new classes, that's a good idea. Oh my gosh, I am the WORST at scheduling appointments. If it's not urgent, I put it off. You actually reminded me to schedule a dentist appointment for next week :) Haha

I love how you cover every aspect of health! Saying/writing your goals publicly can be scary at times because it comes with pressure, but I think any advance towards them should be seen as a success! Your motivation inspires me and the fact that you are always striving for better every day show just what kind of person you are. Plus DANG you're going to be looking good for dat wedding ;)

I need that pressure! I learned that I'm someone who needs outward pressure, so if I put my goals out there I feel like I have to do it. If I just keep it to myself there's no way I would take care of it.

I better look good haha! I'll be in bathing suits and my dress is kind of revealing, so that's good motivation!!

You are so inspiring! I think you definitely have the marathon PR in the bag!I feel the same way about races. Having something to train for makes me SO much more motivated. I'm only doing 6 races this year - One a month from May-Nov. That's all the budget can handle!

I am so bad about putting off doctor's appointments, especially check up! I love how bold yet attainable your race goals are - even if you don't reach them (which I'm sure you will!), the training will be so rewarding!

Thank you Laura! I heard on a podcast that if you don't have to hurt a little to reach your goals (not literally hurt, but push yourself past your normal limits) then it's not a good goal. That's why I won't be upset if I don't hit it, because just by putting in that work I know that I'll be set up for success!

Good luck with your goals! Setting challenging goals is so exciting. The moon/stars quote you use reminds me of something Lauren Fleshman once said that really sticks with me: "my dream was to go to the Olymics. I still haven't achieved it, but I'm no worse off for trying." In the process of chasing her goal she won national championships, met her husband and made great memories. It reminds me that even if I don't reach my goals, the process of training for them will enhance my life and my running in ways I never could have before. Sure, putting that fast time on your running resume is nice, but the real value lies in the process of daring to dream and working hard.

My goal right now is to run a sub-3:45 (A goal of 3:40) in my Spring marathon. It would only be a PR by a few minutes for me, but since it's on a challenging course, I know I will still need to work hard for it! A sub-3:45 would time qualify me for the Chicago Marathon, which I've wanted to run forever. Other than that, I'm sure I will have other running goals, but I'm waiting to see how things go before I commit. In the past I've set a lot of goals at once and I get overwhelmed and burnt out, so I'm trying to focus on one thing at at time now :-)

um girl if you're embarrassed you don't want to know when my last check up was! i mean, i go to the lady doctor and the dentist, but i don't even have a normal doctor here.. the last time i went to the doctor was in australia right before i moved.. in 2012! crazy.

good luck on your goals! i love group fitness classes. i'm like you, kind of, i get anxious trying new things, but i actually feel a lot more comfortable in a group fitness setting as opposed to doing something myself (like going to a pool and trying to swim on my own, or going to a new gym and navigating the weights area) which makes me way more anxious. anyway, sorry for the rambling. good luck with everything!

You should check out the Total Immersion swimming program to help you build your distance. I have trained a lot of swimmers with it. It helps you with drill based swimming and encourages only perfect practice of the strokes so that you don't develop poor habits just to increase distance. I would love to break 500 miles this year!

I was actually late getting to the doctor this morning because I was also posting my wellness goals at the BeBold2016 link up. Ha! I have to go to the doctor every 6 months because of an auto-immune disease.

Going to the doctor each year and having labs done is never a waste of time even when you are healthy because it creates a picture of what your normal baseline looks like so if there ever is anything off your doctor will be able to catch it sooner.

Because of that pesky auto-immune disease thing I am fighting to regain lost ground (I talk about where I am at in my post: http://bit.ly/1PJkm7x) and my running goal for 2016 is just to be able to run a mile. I feel a little silly posting this on here since by comparison it seems so tiny. That is where I am at though and it is more than a lot of people ever do.

That's a really great point Sami! I'm so lazy about it but I know that it's a bad habit to get into. Plus, now if I had something wrong I wouldn't even have a doctor to call up...I would have to go through urgent care which is so expensive! Thanks so much for your input, and I don't think your goal is silly at all. I admire you a lot for pushing through your disease and aiming for a goal that's tough for you. Plus, putting it out there is really scary, so good for you!!

I love how specific you have set your goals to be! It definitely makes it easier to meet them because you have a specific number to strive towards :) And I hear you on doctor appointments. I hate going, but it really is SO important. I do get regular health checkups, but I need to work on getting to the dentist and eye doctor this year....and the fact that I'm almost out of contacts kind of makes that one necessary ;)

I'm on and off with vitamins. I started taking them again recently, and I'm doing well remembering to take one each morning. Props to you for all that running. I've tried and it just wasn't my thing. Then I got hurt, so...had to adjust. How do you like the Whole 30? It sounds interesting! Thanks for linking up!

These goals are so specific and to the point! You're absolutely right about reaching for the moon. That's one of my favorite quotes too! Can't wait to read about your cooking and eating goals next week! And how are the supplements working?